After the hellish journey to Lerwick, they finally arrive at Gilbert Bain Hospital.
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Ruairidh's heart beats almost in time with the beeping machines in the neonatal ward.
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For the first time in hours, the air fills his lungs again.
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"Hannah... there was a moment when you weren't there."
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Ruairidh murmurs, holding Kai tightly against his chest.
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The newborn sleeps peacefully, his light breaths rising and falling beneath the blanket.
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Beside him, Hannah supports Soren, kicking strongly, a silent witness to life just begun.
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Fear still lingers in their eyes, but so does profound gratitude.
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Hannah meets Ruairidh's gaze, searching for the strength she feels slipping away. Her fingers brush the sheet. Then she lowers her eyes; her hand clenches.
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"I'm sorry. There were signs... just not the right ones."
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She pauses, takes a deep breath.
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"The contractions were irregular. No water breaking. With twins, I thought I had time."
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Ruairidh stays silent, listening.
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"Then everything changes. In a few minutes."
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Her voice trembles slightly.
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"When I realize it's the pushing stage... there's no plan B. Only the road. And us."
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Ruairidh brushes his fingers against Hannah's, holding Kai even tighter.
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"We had no other choice."
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He says.
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"And even if we did... I'd do the same thing. For them."
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Hannah bursts into a relieving cry, comforted by his words.
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The two newborns stir lightly.
A soft knock at the door interrupts the moment.
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The hallway comes alive: doctors move with charts, nurses push carts, midwives exchange quick glances.
Elizabeth enters the room, her steps calm but decisive, placing a hand on Hannah's shoulder.
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"We need to check you immediately,"
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she says, while Ruairidh lets her do so without protest.
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"Did you lose much blood?"
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Hannah nods weakly, exhausted but relieved. Elizabeth checks her vitals, speaking in a calm, professional tone.
Hannah looks at her and says firmly,
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"Thank you... truly. I don't know what I would've done without you."
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Elizabeth squeezes her hand:
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"There was nothing else to do. Now just focus on resting."
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A doctor approaches Ruairidh and quickly examines the newborns.
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"They're stable,"
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he announces.
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"We'll keep them under observation for the next few hours, but for now, they're doing well."
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Ruairidh exhales, holding Kai even closer, glancing at Soren.
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Evening falls over Gilbert Bain Hospital. The room is wrapped in silence. Ruairidh and Hannah sleep, bone-tired, surrendered to the relief of having their twins safe.
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The door opens just slightly, without a sound.
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A tall, imposing figure steps in slowly, measuring each step. Dark coat, black gloves. Harold Olafson pauses beside the bed.
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He barely breathes, holding in every sound. His eyes fixed on the sleeping bodies.
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No action is needed... not yet.
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He watches, calculates, plans.
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A faint smile forms: before he can get what he wants from the twins, he must remove every obstacle.
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And as the snow continues to fall outside, the threat is already inside.
ns216.73.216.10da2
and then Add to home screen.